AIR OUTLET FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air outlet for a vehicle. For the purposes of the invention, a vehicle is, for example, a land vehicle, an aircraft, or a water vehicle.

[0002] These air vents can be located in different areas of the vehicle interior to direct airflow in specific directions or simply to the interior. For example, such air vents are typically found in the dashboard, interior trim, or center console, allowing air to be directed to the upper front or rear of the vehicle interior, the windows, or the footwell.

[0003] DE 10 2017 113 906 A1 relates to an air outlet with a flow channel in which an air guide element is arranged, which divides the channel and forms two air outlets. By means of a barrier wall rotatable about a pivot axis fixed to the housing, the airflow can be directed to each of the two air outlets, while the other air outlet is at least partially closed, supplied to both air outlets, or completely blocked.

[0004] The air outlet according to EP 3 812 184 A1 comprises a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet. A wall, rotatable about a fixed axis of rotation, is arranged in a flow channel of the air inlet, allowing the airflow to be completely or partially blocked. In this way, the airflow can also be directed to areas of the air outlet.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2018 115 944 A1 discloses an air outlet for a vehicle, comprising a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A housing wall defines an air duct in which air can flow from the inlet opening to the outlet opening along a main flow direction. In the region of the outlet opening, the housing wall forms at least one projection extending at an angle into the air duct, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct decreases in the main flow direction. An air guide element is arranged in the air duct, which is adjustable between two end positions and is designed to direct the air flowing through the air duct from the main flow direction towards the at least one projection, at least in one of the end positions. The air guide element is pivotable about a fixed pivot point.

[0006] The air outlet according to DE 10 2013 210 055 B3 comprises a housing with an air inlet opening located axially to the housing and an air outlet opening opposite the air inlet opening. The housing contains an air guide element with a first air guide surface and a second air guide surface opposite the first, which is symmetrical to the first air guide surface. A first air channel and a second air channel are formed within the housing. The first air channel is designed to transport a first volume flow, and the second air channel is designed to transport a second volume flow. A vane is movably arranged at the end of the air guide element facing the air inlet opening, such that the ratio of the first volume flow to the second volume flow can be adjusted based on the position of the first vane.

[0007] Previously used air vents are known to feature a multi-slatted structure at the air outlet, adjustable in different directions and capable of being closed. Adjustment is typically performed manually by the seat occupant. The slats are visible from the outside. The air outlet had to be of a certain size to accommodate the slatted structure. While the air outlet was visually adapted to the vehicle interior design, it did restrict the interior's design freedom.

[0008] The object of the invention was to create an air outlet for a vehicle that could direct airflow from at least one air outlet. Furthermore, the object of the invention was to design the air outlet in such a way that it would have as little impact as possible on the design of the vehicle interior.

[0009] The problem is solved by an air outlet having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] The air outlet according to the invention comprises a supply channel through which air can be supplied. The supply channel is, for example, formed by a projection which can be connected to an air supply, e.g., a hose. According to the invention, the supply channel can also simply form an opening in a chamber of the air outlet.

[0011] An airflow can be supplied to the chamber via the supply duct. At least one airflow is also directed out of the chamber. The chamber is designed to direct the airflow to at least one air outlet, to divide the airflow, and, if necessary, to block the airflow. At least the chamber is formed by a housing, such as a plastic housing. While the specific material of the chamber is not critical, a desired chamber shape can easily be achieved with a plastic housing. The air outlet includes at least one air outlet through which the air can flow from the chamber into the vehicle interior.

[0012] The chamber contains at least one movable partition which can be positioned in different locations by means of an adjustment device, such that the airflow can be directed, divided, and blocked differently. For example, the air outlet has only one air outlet. This outlet can then be opened by the partition so that the airflow can flow out of the air outlet, or blocked so that no airflow can pass through the outlet.

[0013] For example, the air outlet includes at least a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The partition can be arranged such that the airflow is directed to the first air outlet, while the second air outlet is blocked by the partition. In another arrangement of the partition, the airflow is directed to the second air outlet, while the first air outlet is blocked by the partition. Yet another partition arrangement allows the airflow to be directed to both the first and second air outlets.

[0014] An advantage of the air outlet according to the invention is that the direction of the airflow can be changed by selecting the specific air outlet(s) through which the airflow exits. In this way, the appearance of at least one air outlet remains unchanged. The design of the vehicle interior is not visually affected by the different positions of the outlet louvers. The air outlets can, for example, be designed as narrow slits and thus be unnoticeable to the occupant. Several such air outlets can be integrated into the instrument panel, a trim panel, or a console.

[0015] A pivot point of the partition is guided along a circular path. Points spaced away from the pivot point, particularly the end regions of the partition, move, for example, along a hypocycloid or an epicycloid. While the pivot point of the partition, especially its center point, moves along a circular path, the partition is rotated. In this way, the different positions of the partition can be advantageously realized in a suitably designed chamber.

[0016] For example, in addition to the positions already described above, the partition can be arranged in such a way that the flow cross-section is closed. If the flow cross-section is essentially closed, no airflow or only a very small airflow can pass through the chamber. In this case, the end sections of the partition are positioned, for example, close to an inner wall that defines the chamber, so that the entire flow cross-section is covered by the partition. For example, elastically deformable lips could be arranged at the end sections of the partition, which are movable in contact with the inner wall. The lips can come into contact with the inner wall of the chamber and deform elastically. This can achieve an even better sealing effect.

[0017] Between a first opening and a second opening of the chamber leading to the vehicle interior, at least one baffle is arranged. The baffle forms, for example, at least partially, an air outlet area. Each air outlet is assigned, for example, a defined outflow direction. The outflow direction can be defined, for example, by the shape of the reveal of the respective air outlet. The reveal is, for example, at least partially formed by the baffle.

[0018] Functional elements such as controls, lighting elements, displays, etc. are integrated into the panel. The space occupied by the panel can thus be used for other purposes.

[0019] The aperture is designed, for example, as a decorative element. The aperture can then form the entire decorative element or a part of a decorative element.

[0020] The partition is, for example, wing-shaped. This allows for good airflow around it and around it. The wing-shaped partition is lightweight and easy to move. It itself takes up little space within the chamber.

[0021] If the partition is wing-shaped, but also in the case of other shapes, the panel can be manufactured, for example, as an extruded part. This allows for cost-effective production.

[0022] The reveal of at least one air outlet is formed, for example, by the baffle and a wall that defines the chamber. The shape of the reveal influences, for example, the direction of the airflow. The chamber wall adjacent to the reveal can be designed in such a way that the airflow is directed in the desired exit direction. Alternatively, the air outlet can also be formed solely by a housing wall of the air outlet or solely by the baffle.

[0023] The reveal of the air outlet is shaped, for example, in such a way that the airflow is directed in a defined direction. The air exit direction of each air outlet is constant. However, the airflows of the respective air outlets can overlap. For example, the airflows of a first, downward-facing air outlet and a second, upward-facing air outlet can overlap to form a horizontally directed airflow.

[0024] In intermediate positions of the partition, where, for example, the partition is positioned such that partial airflows exit from a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the airflows can differ. For example, a larger airflow exits an air outlet that directs the airflow downwards compared to an air outlet that directs the airflow upwards. According to an alternative arrangement of the partition, a larger airflow exits, for example, the air outlet that directs the airflow upwards.

[0025] The air outlet adjustment mechanism includes, for example, a drive unit. This drive unit moves the partition. The drive unit is, for example, an electric drive. Alternatively, the partition unit can also be moved manually. With an electric drive unit, it is possible to precisely set specific positions of the partition unit or, for example, to move the partition unit regularly, e.g., in an oscillating motion.

[0026] The drive system includes, for example, a gearbox. The gearbox is, for example, a gear drive. The drive's motion can thus be adjusted to different speeds and given specific motion characteristics. If a pivot point of the partition moves along a circular path, the gearbox can be a ring gear drive or a drive with sun gears and planet gears.

[0027] If, for example, the transmission consists of a ring gear, the partition can be moved to different positions within the chamber, whereby the partition is rotated and displaced translationally. In this way, different flow paths within the chamber can be defined and the entire flow cross-section can be blocked if necessary.

[0028] The partition allows the chamber to be divided, for example, so that at least one air outlet is blocked while the airflow is directed to at least one other air outlet. For instance, the air outlet has a first air outlet and a second air outlet. With the partition, in one position, the entire airflow can flow through the first air outlet while the second air outlet is blocked. In a second position of the partition, the entire airflow flows through the second air outlet while the first air outlet is blocked.

[0029] Additionally, the partition can be moved into a position in which the airflow is split, with a first partial flow of the airflow passing through the first air outlet and a second partial flow passing through the second air outlet.

[0030] As mentioned above, at least one air outlet is shaped such that the airflow is directed in a specific direction as it exits the air outlet. For the purposes of the invention, an air outlet is defined as a region of the air outlet that forms an opening through which the supplied airflow, or a portion thereof, can be released from the air outlet into the vehicle interior. The air outlet includes, for example, a region adjacent to the reveal of the opening and located upstream of the reveal. This region can already influence the direction of the outflow.

[0031] A first air outlet is shaped, for example, so that the airflow is directed downwards. Air flowing from the air outlet therefore generally has a downward flow direction. In this sense, downwards means that the outflow direction has at least a downward component. For example, the air can flow diagonally downwards.

[0032] A second air outlet is shaped, for example, to direct the airflow upwards. "Upwards" in this context means that the outflow direction includes at least a portion directed upwards. For example, the air can flow diagonally upwards.

[0033] Two air outlets with different discharge directions are, for example, arranged and shaped in such a way that the exiting airflows superimpose to form a third discharge direction. If, for example, the airflow is directed to a first air outlet with a discharge direction obliquely upwards and to the second air outlet with a discharge direction obliquely downwards, the converging airflows superimpose to form an airflow that is directed forwards.

[0034] According to one embodiment, in addition to the partition, at least one guide wall is guided immovably or movable within the chamber. This guide wall is arranged, for example, such that at least a portion of the airflow is deflected laterally relative to a main flow direction. The guide wall is, for example, attached to the partition. For instance, the guide wall forms an angle of 45° with the partition. In this way, a portion of the airflow can also be deflected laterally and directed to specific areas of the air outlet.

[0035] The partition is symmetrical about each of two perpendicular axes of center. The center point can, for example, be the pivot point. The partition can then be surrounded by airflow evenly on both sides. It can have a convex shape that tapers towards opposite ends.

[0036] Alternatively, the partition can also have other profiles, such as asymmetric airfoil profiles, linear, curved, or biconcave profiles. The profile of the partition can significantly influence the airflow emitted from the outlet, thus, for example, achieving better deflection in a specific direction.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a vehicle interior, wherein at least one area of ​​the interior trim and / or a console is provided with at least one air outlet according to the first aspect of the invention. Trim panels, for example, are the instrument panel, seat covers, covers on areas of a console, or on side areas of the interior.

[0038] Regarding the advantages of the invention, reference is made to the first aspect of the invention in order to avoid repetition.

[0039] For example, at least two air vents are arranged so that their outlets are aligned. In this way, the air vent can be integrated discreetly into the vehicle's design lines. Design lines on interior trim, for instance, correspond to the design of the air outlet.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or areas are designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0041] The schematic figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an instrument panel in the front area of ​​the passenger compartment, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the air outlet according to the invention, wherein the partition is arranged in a first position, Fig. 3 the air outlet in accordance with Fig. 2 , wherein the partition is arranged in a second position, Fig. 4 the air outlet in accordance with Fig. 2 , wherein the partition is arranged in a third position, Fig. 5 the air outlet in accordance with Fig. 2 , wherein the partition is arranged in a fourth position, Fig. 6 a top view of the air outlet, Fig. 7 a sectional view along section line A - A in Fig. 6 , Fig. 8 a sectional view along section line B - B in Fig. 6 .

[0042] The entire air outlet is designated by reference numeral 10 in the figure.

[0043] In Fig. 1 The instrument panel 11 of a vehicle with a schematically depicted steering wheel 46 is shown, which is provided with several air outlets 10 according to the invention. The arrangement of the air outlets 10 is indicated by a dashed line. All air outlets have the same design. Therefore, only one air outlet 10 is described below. Visually, a viewing area 45 of the air outlet 10 is adapted to the design of adjacent areas of the instrument panel 11. In other words, the air outlet is not noticeable to the vehicle occupant, as it does not differ from the design of adjacent areas.

[0044] The air outlet 10 comprises an upper slot-shaped air outlet 12 and a lower slot-shaped air outlet 13. The air outlets 12 and 13 run parallel, approximately horizontally. The air outlets 12 and 13 of each individual air outlet 10 are aligned with each other.

[0045] Air outlets 12 and 13 are statically integrated into the instrument panel 11. The upper air outlet 12 is designed, for example, so that the air flows diagonally downwards (see outflow direction 23). The lower air outlet 13 is designed, for example, so that the air flows diagonally upwards (see outflow direction 24). The maximum outflow direction of each air outlet 12 or 13 is predetermined by the shape of the air outlets and adjacent surface areas of the instrument panel 11. However, it is possible to influence, for example, for each air outlet 10 separately or for several air outlets 10 together, whether the airflow exits from one of the air outlets 12 or 13, from both air outlets 12 and 13, or whether no airflow exits the air outlet 10 at all.

[0046] In Fig. 2 A longitudinal section through the air outlet 10 is shown. It comprises a housing 17 in which a chamber 14 is formed. The airflow 25 flows in direction x through an air inlet 15 into the chamber 14. The chamber 14 is bounded by an upper region 18, a lower region 19, and side regions 22 of an inner wall 21, whereby only one of the side regions 22 is visible in the figure.

[0047] Chamber 14 has a bulbous shape. From the air inlet 15, chamber 14 widens with increasing x-direction relative to the z-direction up to a plane E and then narrows again. This induces a specific flow direction in the airflow 25.

[0048] The chamber 14 is traversed by the airflow 25, which is directed to one of the air outlets 12 or 13. The airflow 25 can also be split in the chamber 14, so that a first partial flow 28 of the airflow 25 exits through the air outlet 12 and a second partial flow 29 of the airflow 25 exits through the air outlet 13.

[0049] An upper end region of an aperture 16 together with the housing 17 forms a reveal 26 of the air vent 12 and a lower end region of the aperture 16 together with the housing 17 forms a reveal 27 of the air outlet 13.

[0050] In chamber 14, a partition 20 with a first side surface 43 and a second side surface 44 is movably mounted. The partition 20 has a streamlined, wing-shaped convex form with end regions 30 and 31. The partition 20 is symmetrical about an axis a1 and about an axis a3, which is perpendicular to axis a1. Axes a1 and a3 pass through a center point M.

[0051] In Fig. 2 The partition 20 is arranged such that the airflow 25 coming from the air inlet 15 is divided by the partition 20 and forms two partial flows 28 and 29 downstream. For example, an end region 30 of the partition 20 is positioned on a longitudinal center axis a2 of the air outlet 10 at the air inlet 15. A second end region 31 of the partition 20 terminates approximately with an inner wall surface 32 of the baffle 16. In this case, the first partial flow 28 runs between the upper region 18 of the inner wall 21 and the side surface 43 of the partition 20 to the air outlet 12, and a second partial flow 29 runs between the lower region 19 and the side surface 44 of the partition 20 to the air outlet 13. In other words, the partial flows 28 and 29 exit from both air outlets 12 and 13.

[0052] According to Fig. 3 The partition 20 is arranged such that the air outlet 12 is closed. The end region 30 of the partition 20 is approximately flush with the upper region 18 of the inner wall 21 of the housing 17. The end region 31 is flush with a lower end region of the inner wall 32 of the baffle 16. The airflow 25 can therefore only pass through the air outlet 13.

[0053] The position of partition wall 20 according to Fig. 4 The air outlet 13 is closed. The entire airflow 25 flows through the air outlet 12. The end section 30 of the partition 20 is flush with a lower section 19 of the inner wall 21, while the end section 31 is flush with an upper end section of the inner wall 32 of the baffle 16.

[0054] According to Fig. 5 End section 30 is closed off with the upper section 18 of the inner wall 21, and end section 31 is closed off with the lower section 19 of the inner wall 21. In this case, no airflow exits from either of the air outlets 12 and 13. The flow cross-section is blocked, and the airflow 25 cannot pass through chamber 14.

[0055] Section 41 of the upper region 18 of chamber 14 has a shape which, together with the shape of the upper region of the aperture 16, induces a flow direction obliquely downwards in the direction of 23. Section 42 of the lower region 19 is shaped such that, together with the shape of a lower region of the aperture 16, it induces a flow direction obliquely upwards in the direction of 24. The airflow from air outlet 12 is therefore always directed in the direction of 23, i.e., obliquely downwards, and the airflow from air outlet 13 is always directed in the direction of 24, i.e., obliquely upwards. In the case of partial flows 28 and 29, these superimpose to form an airflow in direction x.

[0056] The air outlet 10 includes an adjustment device 40 for the partition 20 with a gearbox 39 (see the Fig. 6 bis 8 , whereby in the Fig. 7 und 8 (the partition 20 is not shown). The transmission 39 comprises a carrier wheel 33 with external teeth which mesh with internal teeth of a ring gear 34. The carrier wheel 33 is fixedly connected to the partition 20 and is immovable relative to the partition 20. During the movement of the carrier wheel 33 in the ring gear 34, an eccentric axis 35 moves on a circular path 38 (see Fig. 8 The support wheel 33 is rotatably mounted on the eccentric axis 35. It is driven by a drive wheel 36, on which the eccentric axis 35 is arranged eccentrically to a central axis 37 of the drive wheel 36. The eccentric axis 35 forms the center point M of the partition 20. The drive mechanism of the drive wheel 36 is not shown in detail here.

[0057] From the position according to Fig. 2 The drive wheel 36 rotates (the drive wheel is in Fig. 2 (shown without teeth) e.g. in direction u1, whereby, caused by the rotational movement of the eccentric axis 35 on the circular path 38, the carrier wheel 33 rolls on the teeth of the ring gear 34 and rotates in direction v2 around the eccentric axis 35 until the position according to Fig. 3 has been reached. Starting from the position according to Fig. 2 can the position according Fig. 4 This can be achieved by rotating the drive wheel 36, for example, in the direction of u2, while the support wheel 33 moves in the direction of v1. The position of the partition 20 according to Fig. 5 is adjustable by starting from the position according to Fig. 3 the drive wheel 36 further in the direction of u1 or starting from the position according to Fig. 4 the drive wheel 36 is moved in the direction of u2.

[0058] The drive wheel 36 is, for example, driven by a motor (not shown), which can be moved in both directions of rotation by means of a control unit. Alternatively, manual movement of the drive wheel 36 is also possible, for example, by means of a control wheel that can be freely rotated 360°, in order to adjust the different positions of the partition 20 and thus the type of air supply.

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the partition wall 20 additionally has guide walls for laterally deflecting the airflow in the directions y1 and y2 .

Claims

1. Air vent (10) for a vehicle having at least one supply channel (15) via which air can be supplied, having a chamber (14), to which the air can be supplied via the supply channel (15), having at least one air outlet (12, 13), via which the air can flow into the vehicle interior, wherein at least one moveable partition wall (20) is provided in the chamber (14), which can be moved to various positions by means of an adjustment device (40) in such a way that the air stream can be supplied to at least one air outlet (12, 13), characterised in that, while a pivot point of the partition wall (20) moves on a circular path (38), the partition wall (20) is rotated.

2. Air vent (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that, in addition, the flow cross section is sealable with the partition wall (20).

3. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the partition wall (20) is shaped like a wing.

4. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one aperture (16) is disposed on the at least one air outlet (12, 13).

5. Air vent (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one air outlet (12, 13) is formed by the aperture (16) and by a wall delimiting the chamber (14).

6. Air vent (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the aperture (16) and the wall delimiting the chamber (14) at least partially form the shape of the air outlet (12, 13).

7. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjustment device (40) has a drive.

8. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that that adjustment device (40) has a transmission (39).

9. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber (14) is divisible by means of the partition wall (20) in such a way that at least one air outlet (12, 13) is blocked while the air stream is supplied to at least one other air outlet (12, 13).

10. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one air outlet (12, 13) is formed in such a way that the air stream (25, 28, 29) is guided in a certain direction (23, 24).

11. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outflow direction of a first air outlet (12, 13) and the outflow direction of a second air outlet (12, 13) are directed in such a way that colliding air streams of the first air outlet and the second air outlet merge in a third direction.

12. Air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the partition wall (20) is designed to be formed symmetrically relative to each of two perpendicular central axes.

13. Vehicle interior, wherein at least one area of the panelling and / or console is provided with at least one air vent (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Vehicle interior according to claim 13, characterised in that at least two air vents (10) are disposed in such a way that their air outlets (12, 13) align with each other.